Which grading approach uses numerical scores that can be converted into letter grades?

The grading approach that utilizes numerical scores which can then be converted into letter grades is known as Absolute Grading Standards. This method typically involves a predefined scale where certain numerical ranges correspond directly to specific letter grades. For example, a score of 90-100 might represent an 'A', 80-89 a 'B', and so on. This grading system provides a clear, objective standard against which all students are assessed, making it straightforward to determine a student’s performance based on their raw scores.

In contrast, the other grading approaches mentioned may not operate on a simple numerical-to-letter conversion system. Mastery Grading Scales emphasize students achieving specific learning objectives rather than focusing on numerical scores. Descriptive Grading Scales tend to provide qualitative feedback about student performance, focusing on descriptions of the work rather than assigning a numerical score directly correlated to a letter grade. Relative Grading Scales usually consider a student’s performance in relation to their peers, meaning that letter grades might fluctuate based on overall class performance rather than a fixed numerical standard. Thus, Absolute Grading Standards stands out as the method that directly correlates numerical scores to letter grades.